MARCH 2024
MENTEE SPOTLIGHT
Twins on a Mission
Amirykal and Aniylah are two sixth graders in our Mentoring Empowerment Program at Brooks Middle School who have hit the ground running in middle school as positive and enthusiastic leaders. Since joining YEMBA mid-year, the twins have not only fully embraced and taken advantage of the program’s workshops, they have also recruited many friends along the way to join them after school. Every day during homework help time, you will find these two focused and engaged so they can move on to having fun knowing their grades and school work are in check. We are proud of the positive example of executive functioning that the twins set for other mentees in the program.
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
Summer Empowerment Programs for Rising 6th & 9th Graders
Registration is now open for our summer programming. In addition to our program for rising 9th graders, we are excited to introduce a new Summer Empowerment Program for rising 6th graders in D97. Spaces are limited, so please make sure you secure your student’s space by registering below.
Help Keep Our Summer Programs Free for Youth
YEMBA provides six weeks of Summer programming full of enriching activities to set youth on the path to success in their next school year, including field trips, workshops, guest speakers, and daily meals. We greatly appreciate any amount you can contribute to help us offset these costs.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Muriel Blin
We are thrilled to welcome Muriel who recently joined the volunteer team at YEMBA. As an Oak Park mother who is passionate about her community and the future of its youth, Muriel is motivated to assist young people in obtaining the education and support that they deserve. She firmly believes that education is the key to transforming social injustice. Muriel is originally from France and holds a Ph.D. in biology.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Celebrating Black History Month
YEMBA was proud to be a part of the Village of Oak Park’s annual Black History Month celebration as well the 19th annual Harambee festivities at Longfellow Elementary. Both events beautifully showcased both Black history and Black excellence in our community. Elevating Black voices and empowering Black futures is a large part of why we exist at YEMBA.